Boyd backs Old Firm arrivals

Kris Boyd is hopeful that former Rangers team-mate Kevin Thomson will join him at Middlesbrough.

Last Updated: 14/07/10 12:04pm

Kris Boyd is hopeful that former Rangers team-mate Kevin Thomson will join him at Middlesbrough.

The SPL's all-time record goalscorer moved to Teesside last week, joining the growing band of former Old Firm players at Middlesbrough.

Boro have also now made a move for Thomson and Boyd is hopeful he will sign for the Championship club.

"Kevin will be a good signing for Boro, but it's also good business for Rangers to sell him for £2million," Boyd said.

"That's what he cost from Hibs three years ago so to get that money back, when there is only a year on his contract, must represent good news for Rangers.

"I'll be delighted if he comes here and joins us. Thommo had his problems with injuries but he came back even fitter and better. He enjoys the ugly side of the game. He does the running in the middle of the park to win possession, the things some players don't want to get involved in.

"He does the dirty work and as one of his team-mates I always appreciated that.

"In addition to that, he's still a very good player and he also has plenty Champions League experience."

Backing

Boyd also backed his manager Gordon Strachan's trend of signing players from Rangers and Celtic.

"If you have played for Rangers or Celtic then you develop a real mental toughness," he continued.

"There is so much scrutiny on you as players, so much intense pressure every day, that you end up with skin like a rhino.

"Supporters can be harsh critics. I was one of the lucky ones - I had an unbelievable relationship with the Rangers fans and that's something I'll never forget.

"No matter how popular you are with your own fans you know you get a rough ride at every away game.

"That's life at the Old Firm, there's no hiding place. You just need to accept that and as a consequence nothing fazes you and you are able to deal with anything football throws at you.

"That's why the gaffer has brought us here. He's gone for players who he knows are made of the right stuff because of the environment we've been playing in over the last few years."